Customer Reviews

Ambient Egypt, Sounds from Ancient Sources

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Hello,

Ambient Egypt brings ancient Egyptian music to life.
I would rate this CD as highly as these other ancient Egyptian music reconstructions, Michael Atherton`s Ankh and Ali Jihad Racy`s Ancient Egypt. In my opinion the strengths of this CD are the use of authentic reconstructed instruments which have as Irvine states: "the potential to create new music".

Douglas Irvine obviously loves the sounds these instruments make; he has created a beautiful CD of "New music from ancient Egyptian instruments and surviving instrument specimens." Perfect mood music, perfect meditation music, AND - perfect "white noise" at the office. I bought my original at the Metropolitan Museum and have listened to it at least 300 times since then. I still hear something new everytime I play it.

I bought this as a gift for my partner who is big into "ancient Egypt" and the like -- far more as a layperson than as a scholar. He said the music was very relaxing and inspiring for his artistic endeavors though it also helped him get to sleep when he was already tired. The idea to try and recreate the music based on surviving instruments is a great one and avoids some of the serious errors of early archaeologists and scholars who attempted to use the actual instruments. I can't say that it is "accurate" in terms of representing a historical reality, but is a fair job of making music that can help a modern person relate to ancient Egypt. I'd probably use it as a intro to a basic history class on this period.

I second all the rave reviews featured above. However, I should add for the record: this CD is sometimes labelled (as mine is) as "IMMORTAL SOUNDS: A Musical Journey Through Ancient Egypt", published through Antenna Audio, Inc., CA. I found the recording at the New Orleans Museum of Art when a large travelling exhibit of Egypitan art and artifacts was on display. The music served as the background for the audio guide (under narration by Jeremy Irons) and was sold in the gift shop with the tour's other goods. I was trying to find info on the CD, and when I couldn't find it under that name, I got redirected to this entry. I thought I'd just clarify! :o)

But yes, indeed - beautiful, serene, and indeed ethereal music!

When I first heard "Ambient Egypt", I was struck by Irvine's ability to create imagery with ancient instrument replicas. As I read the liner notes, I realized what an amazing undertaking it must have been to create such a lush piece of music.

This CD transports you to the dusty, sun-baked region of our planet where music was, and continues to be, an inherent part of the culture.

I give this CD my highest recommendation. It is most definitely a fine addition to any true music lover's collection.

I bought this cd at the Field Museum in Chicago, and I'd have to say it's one of my favorites. You can almost feel the instruments flowing. I can't wait for Mr. Irvine's next cd.

A masterpiece in instrumental music replicated from Ancient Eqypt.

other than that, it was a pleasant listen. it sometimes gets too repetitious, but other than the wailing and the repetion, it's a nice piece to listen to. seriously, the wailing freaked out my kid. this might be something you want to consider before you buy this.

With this music you immersion in envolving sound of ancient egypt, this rare sensations, mystic, dark, deep and mind and body relaxation.

Purchased this CD to help my 6th grader with an Ancient Egypt social studies presentation. She played this CD in the background and it played well. Good for background music, soothing and melodic.